The Special Studies in Marketing course (MKTG 490) allows qualified marketing students to complete an independent study under faculty supervision. Students may earn 1 to 3 credit hours for completing a marketing-focused project, typically in partnership with an external organization. This opportunity requires substantial initiative and self-direction.

Before applying, students must:

• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.80
  
• Have successfully completed COB 300
  
• Obtain a recommendation from a marketing faculty member
  
• Receive written approval from the Academic Unit Head (AUH) before registration

Students are responsible for identifying and proposing their independent study project. This includes:

• Securing a marketing-related work experience that includes defined responsibilities (e.g., creating a marketing plan, executing a social media campaign, conducting a survey, developing promotional content, etc.)
  
• Identifying a qualified on-site supervisor at the organization who will oversee your work
  
• Securing a JMU marketing faculty member willing to serve as your independent study advisor throughout the semester

Note: Faculty are not obligated to supervise independent studies and may be unavailable due to administrative duties or current workload.

To request enrollment in MKTG 490, email the following information to the Department of Marketing's Academic Unit Head no later than two weeks before the semester begins:

1. Contact Information
   • Full name
   • JMU email address and eID
   • Phone number
     
     
2. Project Overview
   • Identify the organization and location
   • Provide a 2–3 paragraph summary of the proposed marketing project
   • List the specific marketing tasks you will be responsible for and whether this work will be conducted entirely in-person, hybrid, or fully remote.
     
     
3. Supervision Details
   • Name, position, phone number, and email of the on-site supervisor
   • Name, position, phone number, and email of the marketing faculty advisor
     
     
4. Plan and Deliverables
   • In conjunction with your faculty advisor, outline:
   • A timeline with milestones and deadlines
   • A description of assignments to be completed
   • Expected outcomes, including a final written report and (if applicable) a presentation to the organization
     
     
5. Faculty Sign-Off
   • Include an email or document from your marketing faculty advisor confirming their willingness to supervise your independent study